Direct connection manifold for reciprocating piston pump

ABSTRACT

An airless sprayer utilizing a reciprocating piston pump ( 12 ) uses a block fluid manifold ( 16 ) attached directly to the pump cylinder ( 14 ) and which includes provisions for a pressure sensor ( 20 ), a dump or safety valve ( 18 ) and a hose outlet to minimize pressure drop which in turn maximizes spraying pressure as well as lessening the tendency to pack out.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/369,950, filed Apr. 5, 2002.

BACKGROUND ART

Airless sprayers which utilize reciprocating piston pumps have proven popular for applying paints, coatings and various texture materials. Such sprayers have typically utilized a hose running from the pump cylinder to a remote manifold which incorporates a dump valve and a pressure sensor for pressure control.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is advantageous, particularly when spraying texture materials and/or utilizing long lengths of hose, to minimize the amount of pressure drop from the outlet of the pump to the application device (such as a spray gun). Toward that end, the instant invention uses a block fluid manifold attached directly to the pump cylinder and which includes provisions for a pressure sensor, a dump or safety valve and a hose outlet.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the instant invention in a partially exploded view.

FIG. 2 shows the instant invention in an assembled view.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The instant invention, generally designated 10, is shown partially exploded in FIG. 1, is comprised of a reciprocating piston pump 12 having a pump cylinder 14. Cylinder 14 is provided with a flat mounting surface 14 a, attachment holes 14 b and outlet passage 14 c which outputs the pressurized fluid from within pump 12. Fluid manifold 16 is desirably formed from a single block of material such as stainless steel and is fastened to cylinder 14 by fastener bolts 22. A safety valve/dump valve 18 (of known construction) and pressure sensor 20 are attached via threading or other conventional attachment mechanisms to manifold 16.

It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the manifold-pump assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. In a reciprocating piston pump having a pump cylinder, a manifold and a pressure sensor, the improvement comprising said manifold being attached directly to said cylinder thereby minimizing pressure drop and increasing spraying pressure.
 2. The reciprocating piston pump of claim 1 wherein said pressure sensor is attached to said manifold. 